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Organic products could be cheaper, thanks to Japan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Japan have agreed to make it easier to import each other’s organic products, the latest step in a global effort that could give consumers access to more — and cheaper — organic food.

The Agriculture Department is planning to announce an agreement Thursday between the United States and Japan that will allow organic products to be certified in one of the countries and be sold as organic in both.

The agreement is similar to a 2009 deal with Canada and a 2012 deal with the European Union. Agriculture officials say they are looking at agreements with other countries as well.

The result could be a flow of new products to the U.S. market and higher profits for U.S. organic producers.